Synagogue Desecrated by Right-wing Extremists; Worst in Years

February 3, 1972

MADRID (Feb. 2)

The Madrid Synagogue was desecrated by right-wing extremists last week in one of the worst anti-Semitic outrages in Spain in decades. A swastika and hammer and sickle and slogans reading “Death to the Jews,” “Synagogue, Judaism, Danger,” “Out with the traitors” and “Long live Catholic unity” were painted on the walls in red and black paint. Also painted on the wall was “Spanish Traditionalist Youth,” the name of a right-wing organization believed to be similar to the Guerilleros de Christo Rey, which was responsible for the destruction of Picasso drawings during a recent showing in a Madrid art gallery to mark the artist’s 90th birthday.